Freehand Machine Embroidery with Sarah Becvar

Maximum Class Size: 6

Level: Suitable for confident beginners and beyond. Basic sewing machine knowledge is helpful, but no embroidery experience required.

Spend a day exploring the beautiful technique of freehand machine embroidery with textile artist Sarah Becvar. Inspired by the wildflowers and landscapes of her Sussex garden studio, Sarah will guide you through the process of “drawing with thread” to create expressive, one-of-a-kind stitched designs. This playful and painterly approach is a brilliant way to use up precious fabric scraps and turning even the tiniest pieces into something special.

In the morning, you’ll start with simple floral motifs to create your own embroidered greetings cards which is an ideal way to practise the technique on paper and build confidence. In the afternoon, you’ll move on to stitching directly onto linen and constructing a small pouch to take home. This class is perfect for anyone curious about freehand machine embroidery and looking to explore a more personal, expressive way of working with fabric and thread. It’s a playful, intuitive technique that offers freedom, flow, and endless creative possibilities.

What You’ll Learn:

• Introduction to freehand machine embroidery
• How to set up your sewing machine for embroidery
• Drawing with thread: using stitches to create line and texture
• Translating floral motifs into stitched designs
• Layering fabrics and creating depth
• Constructing a finished embroidered pouch

Materials: All tools and materials are provided, including a selection of fabric scraps, card stock, linen, and thread. You're welcome to bring along your own scraps or favourite fabric pieces to personalise your work.

About Your Teacher

Sarah Becvar is a Sussex-based textile artist who has created designs for Fortnum & Mason, Liberty London, John Lewis, and WH Smith. Her work is rooted in her connection to the English countryside, and she brings a warm, encouraging teaching style to every workshop.

Booking a class at Ray Stitch entitles you to 10% off everything in-store for one week. Our team is happy to help advise on fabric and supplies for your project.